The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has sought for more federal government intervention projects in other parts of the state in order to address constant erosion and flooding experienced in some communities close to the river bank.
He disclosed this in Jama’are town, Bauchi over the weekend, during the commissioning and handover of erosion-control project executed by the Ecological Project Office (EPO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Baba Tela, he said that Jama’are town is close to the river, which is why its prone to environmental degradation due to excessive water discharged from the river.
The governor stated that with the project, the fear of flooding and its resultant loss of lives, destruction of houses and farm produce would be allayed, even as it would boost economic opportunities in the community.
While handing over the project, the Minister of state for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Maryam Y. Katagum said that the project was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019
He stated that it was intended to address the fundamental challenges that bedeviled Jama’are town over the years, saying that the topography of the town made it susceptible to annual flood disasters, a situation that threatens farmlands, lives and properties.
Katagum said the completion of the project underscored the federal government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling environmental problems in the country and making life more meaningful for Nigerians.
He thanked the people of Jama’are for the cooperation and support accorded to the contractor, which led to the successful execution and speedy completion of the project.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of EPO, Dr. Habiba Lawal pleaded with the benefitting communities to takeover and exercise ownership of the project to avoid wasting the federal government’s investment.
Lawal, who was represented by the Director II, Soil Erosion and Flood Control Department of EPO, Mr. Mathias Eluma said the project was initiated through a request from concerted indigenes on the need to address the annual flooding in the community.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Emir of Jama’are, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmadu Mohammadu Wabi III commended the federal governemnt for the urgent. intervention.
Represented by Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed, he appealed to EPO to visit other parts of the town prone to environmental degradation, citing the Jama’are bridge that is currently threatened by erosion.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Jama’are local government area, Hon. Samaila Yusuf Jarma thanked the federal governemnt for executing the project in his community, with a promise to protect and maintain it.
— Chika Okeke is a journalist with MOC and the Publisher/ Editor of Bennyokeke.blogspot.com, an online news platform.
She joined the services of LEADERSHIP Media Group in 2008 as a Reporter where she rose through the ranks as a Senior Reporter to Deputy Editor Daily, Deputy Editor, LEADERSHIP Sunday and Deputy Editor, LEADERSHIP Friday.
During her sojourn in LEADERSHIP Media Group, she had covered the activities of FCT Area Councils, Ministries of Tourism and National Orientation, Works & Housing and Environment.
With over one decade in journalism, she was able to explore various reporting and writing techniques such as feature writing, editing, investigation and editing, with over over 300 publications to her credit.
She has covered workshops and conferences, both in Nigeria and abroad.
She is currently the Treasurer, Environment Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) and a member of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
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